Systems and methods for displaying images as embroidered designs

ABSTRACT

A method for displaying a design on a piece of apparel is provided. The method includes generating at least one design depicting an image. Next, a selection of at least one design for display is allowed. Thereafter, identification of a location on the apparel at which the design can be displayed is permitted. Subsequently, the design may be affixed to the identified location on the apparel. An apparatus and a system for displaying a design on a piece of apparel are also provided.

RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 60/589,274, filed Jul. 20, 2004, 60/628,929, filed Nov. 18, 2004, and 60/640,194, filed Dec. 29, 2004, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to display of designs on apparels, and more particularly to the display of images as embroidered designs thereon.

BACKGROUND ART

The retail market has a wide variety of companies that provide products and clothing to targeted markets. Moreover, it has been observed that many of these retailers are selling the same type of products or clothing to the same targeted market. A pattern has existed for a number of years where retailers are providing to consumers apparels decorated with vinyl decals, embroidery, or sewn-on-patches of various designs, including sports or celebrity-related designs. A walk in most major malls will allow one to see that there are many stores selling these same or similar items to the same demographics. This, among other things, is a strong indication of the demands consumers have for clothing with designs displayed thereon.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of people (age 14-26) in 1999 was 30 million. This number represents close to 10% of the total U.S. population. Teenagers influence about $324 billion in spending annually, have $151 billion in disposable income, spend $24 billion annually, and will spend $1.8 billion on-line by 2004. Teens spend an average of $80 to $100 per week on entertainment, fashion, food, and technology. These young people, dubbed “Generation Y”, dominate almost all facets of popular culture and are the fastest growing demographic under age 65.

It should be noted that although sometimes rebellious, teens also want to blend in and be accepted by peers yet also find ways to make them stand out as individuals. They seek a community of peers to welcome them, as well as help them stand out.

In addition, teenagers wear attitude like a uniform to give definition to their identity. This extends to clothing, hairstyle and the type of music listened to in public. They also react to humor, silliness, and irreverence more easily than to other styles. They follow sports, athletes, and celebrities in growing numbers.

The market for sports related merchandise, athlete or celebrity specific clothing or merchandise and the like is growing tremendously. Many mall retailers, online retailers, and television shopping channels have specific lines of clothing and merchandise aimed at this sector.

Currently, specialty youth clothes and products is a billion dollar niche in the clothing industry. Over the past ten years, there has been a profound change in population dynamics in the U.S. The non-metropolitan population has been growing at the almost the same rate as the urban population making specialty youth clothes and products a viable product line in both urban and non-urban locations. As such the demand for athlete, celebrity, and sporting event memorabilia has increased dramatically.

Despite being a proven multi-billion dollar market, there is currently a void within this market whereby consumers can design their own clothing with various embroidered designs. In other words, retailers have not yet offered to the consumers the choice of selecting specific embroidered designs to be applied onto the consumers' apparel of choice.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide consumers the ability to select and designate, among other things, specific embroidered designs, such as that of public figures, for instance, favorite athletes or celebrities, designs depicting specific moments in a sporting event by an athlete, or designs depicting specific moments portrayed by a celebrity, and have the designs displayed in designated locations onto the apparel of choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides, in one embodiment, an on-demand method for displaying a design on a piece of apparel. The method involves initially generating at least one design depicting an image. Next, a selection of at least one design for display is allowed. Thereafter, identification of a location on the apparel at which the design can be displayed is permitted. Subsequently, the design may be affixed to the identified location on the apparel.

The present invention, in another embodiment, provides an on-demand method for displaying a design on a piece of apparel. The method includes initially generating at least one design depicting a image of a public figure or a moment of an event. Next access to the design may be allowed through an on-line website. Thereafter, selection of at least one apparel and at least one design for display on the apparel may be permitted through the website. Once the selection is completed, a location at which the design can be displayed on the apparel may be identified. Information relating to the selections and the location to a place for affixing the design can subsequently transmitted to a place where the design may be affixed. The design then can be affixed to the identified location.

The present invention further provides a device for use in displaying a design on a piece of apparel. The device includes, in an embodiment, opposing arms pivotally attached to one another. The device also includes a handle positioned at one end of each arm to manipulate the arms relative to one another. A plate may be located on each arm at an end opposite the handle for engaging the design and apparel. The device further includes a heating mechanism associated with each plate for generating sufficient heat to permit adhesion of the design to the apparel.

The present invention, in a further embodiment, provides a system for displaying a design on a piece of apparel. The system includes a database in which a selection of different designs may be stored. The system also includes a user input in communication with the database for selecting a design and for indicating a location on the apparel at which the design may be applied. In an embodiment, a display monitor may be provided in communication with the user input for visualizing the selected design and location on the apparel for applying the design. A processor can also be provided for processing the input and for transmitting the input to a location for carrying out the application of the design onto the apparel. The system further includes a device for applying the design onto the apparel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a method for generating a design for displaying on apparels, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of a method for displaying a design onto apparels.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart of another method for displaying a design onto apparels.

FIG. 4 illustrates an apparatus for applying a design onto apparels.

FIG. 5 illustrates an apparatus being used to apply a design onto a piece of apparel.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides, in one embodiment, an on-demand method that allows consumers to purchase embroidered designs through a retail location or a website, and thereafter display the designs on their apparel of choice for the creation of one-of-a-kind clothing or clothing accessories. The designs can alternatively be kept as a collectable item. The embroidered designs employed by the present invention can be any fanciful designs, and includes designs depicting public figures, such as athletes or celebrities, or designs depicting specific moments from an event, such as a sporting event or concert.

Looking now at FIG. 1, there is illustrated a method 10 for the creation of embroidered designs or patches, such as those depicting public figures or specific moments from an event. Initially, a photograph, an electronic image, or a video frame of a specific public figure, i.e., athlete, a celebrity, or a particular moment of an event, i.e., sporting event, may be obtained or selected 11. Next, the image may be digitized 12 using appropriate methods known in the art. The digitized image thereafter may be used as a template from which an embroidered design or patch having a substantial likeness of the original photograph may be created 13 using processes well known in the art. For instance, the digitized image can be transformed into a substantial likeness using embroidered thread that is applied to a fabric backing.

The generated designs, in one embodiment, can subsequently be displayed at any location on the apparel using a permanent adhesive process (e.g., heat seal, adhesive seal), embroidery, needle and thread, or other fastening methods to allow customization of the apparel.

To accomplish this, with reference now to FIG. 2, a consumer visiting a store, in one embodiment, may initially select 21 an apparel of choice, for example, a shirt or a pair of pants, for customization or accessorizing with one or more of the generated designs. Next, the consumer may choose 22 individual patches or designs of choice from those available. The present invention contemplates, in one embodiment, allowing a customer to see a wide variety of designs or patches depicting athletes, celebrities, or specific moments from a sporting event that he or she can apply to clothing or accessories, or purchase as a collectable item. These designs may, for perusal purposes, be placed on display racks, on the clothes of employees at the retail store, on mannequins, in catalogs, on-line, on television, and/or in print ads in the store. Each design or patch, in an embodiment, may be provided with a specific number for easy identification by the store.

Thereafter, the customer may identify 23 a location or locations to which the designs or patches may be applied. In an embodiment, using a clothing marking pencil, the number of the patch selected may be written on the clothing at the location where each of the designs is to be applied.

Once the above has been completed, the order is forwarded to a production area where the designs are applied 24. Specifically, the clothing may be retrieved and the patches depicting athletes, celebrities, or specific moments from a sporting event selected by the customer may be located based on the identification number. These patches can next be placed on the clothing in the proper location in preparation for application. Thereafter, using, in an embodiment, a heat press, the designs can be applied to the clothing. It should be appreciated that other methods, as indicated above, may be used to apply the designs to the apparel.

In one embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 3, there is provided a portable device 30 that permits a user to apply displays and/or designs, such as patches, having heat activated adhesive backing (i.e., iron on type patches) to clothing and accessories.

The device 30, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, includes two opposing arms 31 and 32, each having a front end 311 and 321 respectively, and an opposing end 312 and 322 respectively. The opposing ends 312 and 322 may be provided with a handle 313 and 323 respectively. The arms 31 and 32, in one embodiment, may be pivotally attached to one another about an area toward the handles 313 and 323. To that end, the arms 31 and 32 may be manipulated by the handles 313 and 323 to extend or decrease the distance between the front ends 311 and 321. In addition, the opposing arms 31 and 32 of the device 30 may be sufficiently elongated so as to allow the front ends 311 and 321 to reach within a sleeve or pant leg, or past the edges of clothing and accessories in a manner conducive to applying designs on to the interior sections of clothing and accessories.

The device 30 may further include plate 33 attached to the front end 311 of arm 31 and plate 34 attached to the front end 321 of arm 32. Plate 33, as illustrated in FIG. 3, may include an outer surface 331 and an inner surface 332. Likewise, plate 34 may include an outer surface 341 and an inner surface 342. The inner surface of each plate 33 or 34, in accordance with one embodiment, may be made from a heat resistant material, for instance metal. It should be appreciated that the handles 313 and 323 on each opposing arm 31 and 32 may be made in such a way so as to allow a user to exert sufficient pressure on the inner surfaces 332 and 342 when bringing the handles 313 and 323 together.

The device 30 may also include a heating mechanism (not shown) associated with each inner surface of each plate 33 and 34. The heating mechanism may be designed to allow each inner surface 332 and 342 to be heated to a sufficiently high temperature, for instance, within a range of from about 325° F. to about 375° F., needed for the application of patches or designs that use heat activated adhesion backing. As the inner surfaces 332 and 342 need to engage the patches or designs, these inner surfaces may be provided with a non-stick coating, such as Teflon.

The heating mechanism, in one embodiment, may be a mechanism that is commercially available similar to those in portable consumer electronic products. To that end, the heating mechanism can be powered by electricity, to be provided by either batteries or through AC current supplied through an electrical cord that can be plugged into a standard household outlet.

The device 30 may further be provided with an electric timer, as well as different heat settings that would regulate the temperature of the inner surfaces 332 and 342 of plates 33 and 34 respectively on the opposing arms.

Referring now to FIG. 4, in use, arms 31 and 32 of device 30 may be advanced over the apparel 40 to a position at which the patch or design is to be affixed. It should be noted that arms 31 and 32 of device 30 may be mirror images of one another Accordingly, assuming the plates 33 and 34 are introduced first onto the apparel, for instance, into a sleeve 41 or pant leg, so that one plate is positioned on one side of the sleeve 41 and the opposing plate is positioned on the other side of the sleeve 41, regardless of the orientation of the device 30, either inner surface 332 or 342 may engage against, for example, a front surface of the patch or object intended to be heated, while the other inner surface may engage the under surface of the sleeve upon which the patch may be displayed. In addition, it should be appreciated that the extended length of the arms 31 and 32 can permit the plates 33 and 34 to be advanced along a sufficient distance within a sleeve or pant leg, or a sufficient distance beyond the edges of the garment to where the patch or design is placed.

Next, the handles 313 and 323 may be brought toward one another to bring the opposing arms 31 and 32 and thus the heating inner surfaces 332 and 342 at the front end of each arm toward one another. In this manner, one heating inner surface may engage a front side (displaying side) of the patch, while the other heating inner surface on the opposing arm may engage an underside of the apparel at the location where the patch is positioned. Thereafter, the heating mechanisms may be activated to raise the temperature of the inner surfaces 332 and 342, so that while pressure is applied to the patch by the inner surfaces, the adhesive backing on the patch may be melted, so that the patch may be affixed to the apparel.

The device 10 may subsequently be removed from the apparel 40 and the patch permitted to cool.

Referring again to FIG. 2, after the designs have been applied onto the apparel for display, the consumer may pay 25 for the merchandise. However, it should be noted that, once the consumer has selected the clothes and determined the permanent location for application of the designs, she may pay for her order in advance of application. Alternatively, the merchandise may be paid at pick up.

Subsequent to payment, the consumer may pick up the order and leave 26 the store with the merchandise. The order process from payment to assembly can be accomplished in about an hour or under. Moreover, when utilizing the method of the present invention, it can be expected that the merchandise can be ready in about 5 minutes or less, once the desired piece of clothing and patches have been selected and paid for by the customer.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides an “on-demand” design capability. As contemplated in one embodiment of the invention, a process, as shown in FIG. 5, may be provided where a consumer may access a website 51 to the store providing the service. Next, the consumer may browse a selection of apparel provided and pick 52 one or more items onto which a design may be applied. Thereafter, the consumer may browse a selection of designs to be applied and choose 53 one or more designs. The consumer may then identify 54 a location on the apparel to which the design may be applied. In an embodiment, an electronic marking may be provided for placement on the apparel at the location to which the designs may be applied. Subsequently, the consumer may pay 55 for the order. Once payment has been made, order may be sent/transmitted to the production area of the store and completed. In particular, the selected apparel may be retrieved and the patches depicting athletes, celebrities, or specific moments from a sporting event selected by the customer may be located based on the identification number. These patches can next be placed on the apparel in the proper location and applied 56. The consumer may, thereafter, pick up the order at the store or have the merchandise shipped.

The website for use in connection with this embodiment may be accessed from, for instance, an in-store kiosk, in-store computer, or through an off-site computer, such as a home desktop, a laptop or a wireless handheld device. Should the order be made from within the store, the consumer may wait or, at his/her convenience, return to the store and pick up the order once it has been completed. If the order was placed off-site, the completed product may be set aside to allow the consumer to go to the store and pick it up at his/her convenience. Alternatively, the finished product may be mailed to consumer, at his/her option, whether the order was placed in-store or off-site.

In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the consumer may select, through the website, individual designs depicting athletes, celebrities, or specific moments from a sporting event they wish to purchase. These individual designs can then be shipped the consumer, and the consumer can subsequently apply the designs to their clothing or accessories in the privacy of their own homes.

The on-demand design approach, when implemented in connection with the methods of the present invention, allows for single (i.e., one-off) or small orders to be placed without economic burden on the store or the consumer that may typically be associated with economy of scale for large orders. Of course, it should be noted that the on-demand approach may also permit large scale orders to be placed.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a system or method which may be implemented seamlessly with a website of a licensee company, for instance, The Gap, Old Navy etc. to allow that company's customers to implement the “on-demand” design protocol. In one embodiment, once the consumer accesses, for example, Old Navy's website and clicks on a link to the “on-demand” design service, the consumer will be seamless directed to the system of the present invention. The consumer may thereafter pick out the design depicting athletes, celebrities, or specific moments from a sporting event, the apparel, the location for application of the design, and send in the order. The order will be logged by the system and the order may subsequently by carried out. The completed product may be shipped to the store from which the order was originated for pick up by the consumer or shipped directly to the consumer at a designated address.

A method to allow similar or matching designs to be placed on multiple/different articles of clothing (e.g., pants, shirt, hat) to create a unifying theme is also provided in connection with the present invention. For example, a consumer might select a pair of pants from a certain manufacturer or style, a shirt from a different manufacturer or style, and a jacket or hat that is also from a different manufacturer or style. The consumer would then select designs depicting athletes, celebrities, or specific moments from a sporting event specific patches to be applied that will give the outfit a uniform or matched style appearance.

In another embodiment, a kit may be provided to allow placement of the designs onto the apparels of choice. The kit may also permit rotation of the designs or patches, and/or accessorizing of other apparels. For example, the consumer can purchase specific kits or sets of patches which they can then use at home to apply to their clothing to create a uniform or style to accessorize their clothing.

The present invention also provides method to allow the consumer to designate the locations at which the designs can be placed. Currently employed processes by the industry give the manufacture of the fabric or clothes the choice for placement of the design. The consumer has no say on where the design can be placed. The present invention, in one embodiment, permits the consumer to specifically designate where they want the patch or design applied to their clothing and the patch will then be applied in that exact spot on the clothing.

The present invention further provides a method for a “make over” of used clothing to provide a fresh or different look. For example, a consumer can bring into the retail store used clothing or new clothing purchased in another store, and have these clothes “made over” in the style and appearance he or she desires. In particular, the consumer can have the patches depicting athletes, celebrities, or specific moments from a sporting event he or she has selected applied to the clothing at the selected locations.

The present invention can also provide for consumers a way to generate one-of-a-kind custom clothing and accessories using embroidered designs, a way to permit similar or matching designs to be placed on multiple/different articles of clothing (e.g., pants, shirt, hat) to create a unifying theme. To the extent desired, the present invention can also provide a way for placement of the designs, rotation of patches, and accessorizing of clothes using embroidered designs or for consumers to purchase and collect embroidered designs.

The foregoing has outlined, in general, certain aspect of the invention and is to serve as an aid to better understanding the more complete detailed description which is to follow. In reference to such, there is to be a clear understanding that the present invention is not limited to the method or detail of construction, fabrication, material, or application of use described and illustrated herein. Any other variation of fabrication, use, or application should be considered apparent as an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 

1. A method for displaying a design on a piece of apparel, the method comprising: generating at least one design depicting an image; allowing for selection of at least one design for display; permitting identification of a location at which the design can be displayed; and affixing the design to the identified location.
 2. A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the step of generating includes using a digitized image as a template from which the design can be generated.
 3. A method as set forth in claim 2, wherein the step of using includes obtaining a photograph or a video image to create the digitized image.
 4. A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the step of allowing includes permitting access to the design at a store.
 5. A method as set forth in claim 4, wherein the step of permitting includes providing one of an in-store kiosk, an in-store computer, an off-site computer, a home desktop, a laptop, or a wireless handheld device for accessing the design.
 6. A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the step of allowing includes providing a website through which entry is permitted for accessing the design.
 7. A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the step of permitting includes marking on the apparel the location at which the design may be displayed.
 8. A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the step of affixing includes applying the design to the apparel through one of a permanent adhesive process, embroidery, or sewing.
 9. A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the step of affixing includes utilizing a heat press device.
 10. A method for displaying a design on a piece of apparel, the method comprising: generating at least one design depicting a image of a public figure or a moment of an event; allowing access to the design through an on-line website; permitting, through the website, selection of at least one apparel and at least one design for display on the apparel; identifying, based on the selection, a location at which the design can be displayed on the apparel; transmitting information relating to the selections and the location to a place for affixing the design; and affixing the design to the identified location.
 11. A method as set forth in claim 10, wherein the step of allowing includes redirecting access at one website to another website seamlessly.
 12. A method as set forth in claim 10, wherein the step of permitting includes browsing a collection of designs from which a selection can be made.
 13. A method as set forth in claim 10, wherein the step of identifying includes marking on the apparel of choice the location at which the design may be displayed.
 14. A method as set forth in claim 10, wherein the step of transmitting includes transmission of the information in real-time.
 15. A method as set forth in claim 10, wherein the step of affixing includes utilizing a heat press device.
 16. A device for use in displaying a design on a piece of apparel, the device comprising: opposing arms pivotally attached to one another; a handle positioned at one end of each arm to manipulate the arms relative to one another; a plate located on each arm at an end opposite the handle for engaging the design and apparel; and a heating mechanism associated with each plate for generating sufficient heat to permit adhesion of the design to the apparel.
 17. A device as set forth in claim 16, wherein the opposing arms may be sufficiently long to extend over or into the apparel.
 18. A device as set forth in claim 16, wherein the handle at each end of the arms can manipulate the arms to alter a distance between the plates opposite the handles.
 19. A device as set forth in claim 16, wherein each plate may include a non-stick surface for engaging the design or apparel.
 20. A device as set forth in claim 16, wherein the heating mechanism can generate heat between about 325° F. and about 375° F.
 21. A device as set forth in claim 16, further including a timer for controlling a duration for which the heating mechanism is on.
 22. A device as set forth in claim 16, further including a temperature control for varying a set temperature to be generated by the heating mechanism.
 23. A system for displaying a design on a piece of apparel, the system comprising: a database in which a selection of different designs may be stored; a user input in communication with the database for selecting a design and for indicating a location on the apparel at which the design may be applied; a display monitor in communication with the user input for visualizing the selected design and location on the apparel for applying the design; a processor for processing the input and for transmitting the input to a location for carrying out the application of the design onto the apparel; and a device for applying the design onto the apparel.
 24. A system set forth in claim 23, wherein the user input is proximate to the database.
 25. A system as set forth in claim 23, wherein the user input remote from the database. 